Missing import option for 3ds format in the GUI?
First you need to activate the 3DS import addon.
To do that:


Go to the user perferences window via the keyboard shortcut CtrlAltU, or the File Menu --> User Preferences.
Go to the addons tab
Choose the Import-Export addons from the left vertical category list.
Find the "Import-Export: Autodesk 3DS format" row, then press on the checkbox on the right.
If you want this to be available every time you open blender, Click on the "Save User Preferences" below.


Or visually:


After you do this, you'll have the 3DS format available in the File --> Import menu.